The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel Abroad

12 September 2025

Have you ever dreamed of packing your bags, hopping on a plane, and setting out on a solo adventure? Maybe you're craving a change of scenery, seeking a little soul-searching, or just want to prove to yourself that you can do it alone. Whatever your reason, solo travel abroad is one of the most empowering, exciting, and eye-opening things you can do for yourself. Yep, just you, your passport, and a whole world waiting to be discovered.

In this ultimate guide, I'm breaking it all down for you: the why, the how, the what-ifs, and the absolutely-dos. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler looking for your next solo escape, this guide’s got you covered.

Why Travel Solo?

Let’s start with the big one—why even bother traveling solo when going with friends or family can be, well, simpler?

Find Yourself (For Real)

Sounds cliché, right? But solo travel hands you a mirror: you uncover strengths you didn’t know you had and face fears that seemed larger than life. You become your own problem-solver, decision-maker, and cheerleader. Forget yoga retreats—get on a plane, and the personal growth will follow.

Total Freedom? Yes, Please!

You wake up when you want. Eat what you like. Visit every museum in the city—or skip them all. Solo travel means your trip is 100% yours. No compromising, no waiting for others, no drama.

Meet More People

Ironically, when you’re alone, you’re more approachable. Locals chat with you. Fellow travelers invite you along for tours. Strangers become friends because your openness is like a beacon. Traveling alone doesn’t mean being lonely—it often means the opposite.

Planning Your Solo Trip: The Smart Way

Winging it sounds adventurous... until you're stuck at midnight with no hotel and no Wi-Fi. So let’s map it out the right way.

1. Pick the Right Destination

Start with places that are known to be solo-travel-friendly. Think good infrastructure, high safety ratings, and welcoming locals.

Great solo-travel destinations include:

- Japan – ultra-safe, efficient, and easy to navigate.
- Portugal – friendly vibes and affordable prices.
- Thailand – backpacker heaven with a strong solo travel community.
- New Zealand – breathtaking scenery and kind people.

Ask yourself: Do I want city energy or nature vibes? Beach or mountains? Action-packed or slow and serene?

2. Budget Like a Boss

Traveling alone means no one’s splitting the bill with you. So, budgeting is key.

Tips:

- Use flight price trackers like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
- Book hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs with kitchens to cut food costs.
- Look up free walking tours, museum days, or city passes.
- Always have some “just-in-case” emergency cash.

3. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

You're the one lugging that suitcase, remember? Bring versatile clothing, comfy shoes (you’ll walk a lot), and any meds or must-haves you can’t easily buy abroad. A portable charger, travel insurance, and copies of your documents? Non-negotiable.

Confidence Is Your Best Passport

Here's the thing—traveling alone can feel scary at first. That’s totally normal. But confidence grows with action.

Trust Your Gut

You know that little voice in your head? Listen to it. If something feels off—an alley, a taxi, a person—just nope out. Trusting your instincts is your number one safety net.

Learn a Few Local Words

Even just “hello,” “thank you,” or “help” can go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and sometimes, those few words open unexpected doors (and hearts).

Keep Someone in the Loop

Tell a friend or family member your rough itinerary. Check in every couple of days. Not for approval—but for peace of mind on both ends.

Staying Safe While Flying Solo

Let’s be real: solo travel, especially for women, can raise some safety flags. But don’t let fear keep you grounded. Being informed and prepared is your golden ticket.

Accommodation: Think Safe and Social

Look for well-reviewed hostels or guesthouses in safe neighborhoods. Female-only dorms can be a great option for women. Check reviews on platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com—real traveler feedback is gold.

Move Smart

Avoid arriving in a new city at night if you can. Have your airport/hotel transport figured out beforehand, especially in unfamiliar areas. Apps like Maps.me or Google Maps Offline can be lifesavers when Wi-Fi ghosts you.

Watch Your Stuff

Use anti-theft backpacks, keep valuables out of sight, and don’t flash your phone or expensive gear around. Basically, blend in as much as you can.

Making Friends on the Road (Even If You’re an Introvert)

Solo doesn’t mean solitary unless you want it to be. Some of the best connections you’ll make happen when you're not traveling with a tribe.

Stay in Social Spots

Hostels, coworking accommodations, and group tours are full of people just like you—curious and open to connection. Don't be shy; a simple “Where are you from?” can spark a whole adventure.

Take a Class or Join a Meetup

Language classes, cooking workshops, yoga sessions—these are like mini doorways to new friendships. Check sites like Meetup or Couchsurfing events for local happenings.

Be Open, But Set Boundaries

Meeting people is great—just don’t lose yourself in the crowd. Say no when things don’t feel right, and yes when you feel a spark of possibility.

Dealing With Homesickness and Loneliness

Let’s get real for a sec—it’s not all sunsets and gelato. Sometimes, the solo traveler blues hit.

Accept the Feels

Everyone gets homesick sometimes. Let it wash over you—not drown you. Journal it out. Video call a friend. Eat that comfort food. It passes.

Create a Routine

Even abroad, a bit of structure helps. Maybe it's a morning coffee ritual or a nightly walk. Familiar patterns keep your mind grounded.

Engage With Locals

Even a chat with your Airbnb host or street vendor can lift your spirits. Often, people are thrilled to share bits of their culture with you. Ask questions. Get curious.

Must-Have Solo Travel Apps

Modern tech is a solo traveler’s unsung hero. Here are a few apps that’ll be your new best travel buddies:

- Google Maps – Obvious, but essential.
- Rome2Rio – For figuring out how to get from point A to B, worldwide.
- Duolingo / Google Translate – Language barriers? Handled.
- TripIt – Organize your flights, bookings, and plans in one spot.
- HappyCow – Veggie or vegan? This helps find suitable places to eat.
- Tinder/Bumble BFF – Connect with locals or fellow travelers (yes, even platonic pals).

Embrace the Unexpected

Here’s the real magic of solo travel: it invites the unexpected in the best ways. Some days you’ll get lost and find the coziest corner café. Other times, you'll miss a bus and meet someone amazing while waiting. Flexibility is a solo traveler’s superpower.

Say Yes More Often

A spontaneous street festival? Join in. A local invites you to try home-cooked food? Go for it. As long as you're staying safe, lean into the serendipity.

But Also, It’s Okay to Say No

Not feeling it? Don’t push. If your gut says stay in with a book, that’s part of the adventure too. This isn’t a race or a show—it’s your experience.

Coming Home: A Changed You

When you return from solo travel, something will be different. You’ll have stories to tell (and maybe a few you’ll keep just for yourself). You’ll trust yourself more, smile more easily at strangers, and feel a little more at home in the world.

People might not fully get what you experienced—and that’s okay. Because you’ll know. You did it. You went out there, all on your own, and lived to tell the tale.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel abroad isn’t just a trip—it’s a mindset shift. It reshapes how you see the world and how you see yourself. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

So if you’re on the fence, this is your sign: book the ticket. Pack the bag. Take the plunge.

Because the truth is, the world’s a lot less scary—and a lot more wonderful—when you meet it solo.